Types of Snakes bite and their management

Snake bite and its management

1. Department of General Medicine Presented by : Dr. Talha Shah S nake Bite

2. What is snake bite Snakebite envenoming is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by toxins in the bite of a venomous snake. Envenoming can also be caused by having venom sprayed into the eyes by certain species of snakes that have the ability to spit venom as a defence measure . Snakes bite either to capture prey or for self-defense. But since there are so many different types of snakes — including both venomous and non-venomous — not every snake bite is created equal .

3. There are two major groups of venomous snakes: Elapids (cobra family):  There are about 300 venomous species of  Elapidae , including kraits, mambas, coral snakes and sea snakes. They have short fangs in the front of the upper jaw and strike downward, followed by chewing. Their venom is mainly neurotoxic but it can also harm body tissue or blood cells. If a cobra bites you, you can die from paralysis of the heart and lungs very quickly after the bite . 2.Vipers :  There are more than 200 species of  Viperidae , which includes pit vipers (like rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins, or cottonmouths) and Old-World vipers (adders). They have long, hollow, venomous fangs attached to movable bones in their upper jaw. They fold their fangs back into their mouth when they’re not in use. Types of Venomous snakes

4. Types of venom Cytotoxins : Cause swelling and tissue damage wherever you’ve been bitten. Haemorrhagins : Disrupt the blood vessels. Anti-clotting agents: Prevent the blood from clotting. Neurotoxins: Cause  paralysis  or other damage to the nervous system. Myotoxins : Break down muscles.

5. T here are two different types of snake bites Dry bites:  These occur when a snake doesn’t release any venom with its bite. As you’d expect, these are mostly seen with non-venomous snakes. Venomous bites:  These are much more dangerous. They occur when a snake transmits venom during a bite. Poisonous snakes voluntarily emit venom when they bite. They can control the amount of venom they discharge, and 50 to 70% of venomous snake bites result in envenoming or poisoning . 

6. Symptoms and Causes If you’re bitten by a snake, your symptoms will differ depending on which type of bite it is. If you suffer a dry snake bite, you’ll likely just have swelling and redness around the area of the bite. But if you’re bitten by a venomous snake, you’ll have more widespread symptoms, which commonly include : Bite marks on your skin. These can be puncture wounds or smaller, less recognizable marks. Sharp, throbbing, burning pain around the bite that you may not feel for a little while after the bite. You may also feel pain all the way up whichever limb was affected, such as in the groin for a bite on the leg or the armpit for a bite on the arm. But not everyone feels pain. For example, a bite from a coral snake can be almost painless at first, but still deadly.

7. Conti.. Redness, swelling and tissue damage, or complete destruction, in the area of the bite. Abnormal blood clotting and bleeding. Severe bleeding can lead to a hemorrhage or kidney failure. Low blood pressure , a faster heart rate and a weaker pulse. Nausea and vomiting , diarrhea, anxiety, headaches, dizziness and  blurred vision . Difficulty breathing, or in serious cases, complete loss of breath. Increased production of saliva and sweat. Weakness in your muscles and numbness in the face or limbs.

8. Management While waiting for emergency help: Wash the bite with soap and water. Keep the bitten area still and lower than the heart. Cover the area with a clean, cool compress or a moist dressing to ease swelling and discomfort. Monitor breathing and heart rate. Remove all rings, watches, and constrictive clothing, in case of swelling. Note the time of the bite so that it can be reported to an emergency room healthcare provider if needed.

9. At the emergency department Many hospitals rely on the snakebite severity score (SSS) to make treatment decisions. This research tool considers the local findings as well as the following five body systems that may be impacted by an envenomation: Gastrointestinal system Pulmonary system Cardiovascular system Central nervous system Local wound Hematologic system

10. Emergency Department Care Immediate Assessment and Intervention Upon arrival at the hospital, prioritize addressing life-threatening issues: airway, breathing, and circulation. Severe envenomations or anaphylaxis may compromise airway patency; administer epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Intubate patients unresponsive to epinephrine or those with impaired ventilation due to respiratory muscle weakness.

11. Fluid Resuscitation Consider intravenous fluid resuscitation for restoring euvolemia in patients with significant hypovolemia. Avoid excessive fluid administration to prevent exacerbation of tissue swelling.

12. Analgesia Management Provide essential analgesia; prefer intravenous opioids initially. Discourage NSAIDs due to potential hematologic effects . Crotalid-Envenomated Limb Management Elevate the affected limb to prevent venom accumulation and reduce hydrostatic pressures. Use plaster to prevent bending, ensuring loose splinting with no constriction or obstruction to lymphatic flow.

13. Coral Snake Envenomations Coral snake bites are not associated with tissue injury. Allow patients to maintain a position of comfort.